In the words of a lead pastor from USA who’d invited me halfway across the world to speak,
“Here at our church, we believe in both men and women leading side by side and being empowered to use their full range of gifts and passions in ministry. When we get to have a sister bring us God’s Word for us, it’s a huge privilege and treat for our community.”
I held my tears back as I walked to the stage. He’d made room for me.
Later, I realized he had fully honored me with a generous honorarium. I didn’t a get a second class cheque just because my message was considered a “sharing” and not a proper “sermon” because I was a woman on the pulpit.
I’ve been mocked before for being invited to sit on boards or having received prizes or invitations because I’d make a good “woman token figure.”
But I will say yes to these invitations, I will keep saying yes because my prayer is that when my daughters are grown, they will use their voices with clarity and courage in a world that welcomes them on every stage, at every occasion.
*If this carousel post resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider sharing this and changing our culture, one voice at a time.
**This is an ode to all the women who have bravely stepped up to the plate when God gave them a platform, in spite of naysayers, and… all the amazing men & women who’ve sowed into my life, believed in me, and honored me and my gifts in a way that has healed me, more than you’ll ever know.